Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Norwich City and
Wolverhampton Wanderers at Carrow Road on Saturday Mar 24 2012.

The more time that goes by, the more ill-advised Mick McCarthy’s dismissal seems. This defeat for Wolverhampton Wanderers, juxtaposed with triumphs for struggling Bolton and Wigan, leaves them damagingly and, perhaps, irreversibly adrift at the bottom.

No wonder caretaker manager Terry Connor looked upset as he reflected on a fourth consecutive defeat, as Wolves surrendered a 1-0 lead with Grant Holt scoring twice. Holt was sent off in the 86th minute but, by that stage, Wolves looked like they had already run out of ideas.

With the ghost of former manager McCarthy beginning to stalk the Wolves’ board, Connor said: “All Mick says to me about football is, 'You are good enough’, and, 'Go out there and do the job as well as you can’. He thinks I’m good enough.”

Discussing the implications of this defeat, Connor said: “It was awkward before. We play Bolton next and we can readdress that.”

He tried to put a positive spin on what had happened by adding: “They showed real fighting spirit.” But that did not appear the case as the game went on. Having started hungrily and fluently, leading to a 24th-minute goal, their quality of play deteriorated.

After Norwich levelled, the home team grew in confidence and, once they edged ahead before the break, Wolves’ display bore the hallmarks of a side destined for relegation.

Beforehand, the signs were more encouraging. Matt Jarvis had been impressive, using his pace and quick feet to cause problems, and he deservedly made the breakthrough for the visitors. Michael Kightly made a typically eye-catching run down the right, then squared for Kevin Doyle to touch back for Jarvis who drilled the ball in from 12 yards.

The game was free-flowing and Wolves, rather than tighten things up, allowed Norwich to level within 85 seconds. Simeon Jackson nudged the ball forward for Holt to charge through, cleverly flick the ball over goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and head into an open goal.

More Norwich pressure helped them go ahead just before half-time as Wes Hoolahan’s shot struck the hand of Eggert Jonsson and, from the resulting penalty, Holt struck the ball straight and out of Hennessey’s reach.

The visitors were given hope when Holt was sent off for a late challenge on Kightly, but they never regained a foothold. Norwich manager Paul Lambert said: “I think his red card’s harsh. The first goal was a great finish.”